The European Commission invited students across the EU to reimagine the first official trophy of the New European Bauhaus Prizes: A chance to turn creativity and innovation into a lasting symbol of sustainability, beauty, and inclusion.
The competition is now closed, and submissions are being evaluated by the jury.
Thank you to all participants who shared their ideas. The shortlist of finalists will be announced soon, and selected teams will be invited to Brussels to present their designs at the New European Bauhaus Festival, 9–13 June 2026, with travel and accommodation covered for up to two team members.
The winning design will be revealed at the Festival and produced in time for the NEB Prizes 2026 Award Ceremony in September, becoming thefirst physical trophy that celebrates innovative projects and ideas embodying the New European Bauhaus.
This competition invited architecture, design, and arts students aged 18 and above from across the EU to create a symbolic and celebratory object — such as a cup, medal, crown, or other form — that embodied the values of the New European Bauhaus both conceptually and physically and would become the first official trophy of the New European Bauhaus Prizes.
The NEB Prizes celebrate outstanding projects and ideas that embody the NEB values of sustainability, beauty, and inclusion. Organised annually by the European Commission, they showcase achievements that contribute to the development of the New European Bauhaus on the ground, fostering creativity, interdisciplinarity, and community engagement.
- 30 September 2025: Official launch of the competition at the NEB Prizes 2025 Award Ceremony (now closed).
- 31 January 2026: Deadline for submissions for the concept phase (now passed).
- February-March 2026: Jury evaluation
- March–April 2026: Feasibility study and refinement of the best designs, including the commissioning of prototypes.
- April 2026: Final jury decision and announcement of the 10 finalist projects.
- 9-13 June 2026: Exhibition of the finalist projects at the NEB Festival 2026. Opening of the public voting. Announcement of the winner.
- July–September 2026: Final production of the winning trophy design.
- September 2026: Official use of the produced trophy during the NEB Prizes 2026 Award Ceremony.
Shortlisting
After the submission deadline, the jury evaluates all eligible entries and assigns points according to the selection criteria described below.
A first shortlist of applications is established. The most promising design proposals then undergo a feasibility assessment, considering materials, production methods, cost, and durability.
During this phase, shortlisted applicants may be asked to provide additional clarifications and technical details to support the feasibility assessment and the possible production of prototypes.
Following this process, 10 finalist projects are selected and announced publicly.
Public Voting
The 10 finalist projects will be exhibited during the NEB Festival 2026, where digital public voting will be open.
The project receiving the highest number of votes at the close of the Festival will be declared the winner and celebrated during the closing ceremony.
Submissions will be judged according to the following criteria:
| Criterion | Points | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alignment with NEB Values | 60 | To what extent does the design reflect the NEB’s guiding principles of sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion? Has the NEB Compass been used as a framework? |
| Concept | 30 | How well does the design convey a poetic and celebratory meaning? Does it embody the spirit of the NEB Prizes as a symbolic object? |
| Feasibility | 30 | How realistic is it to produce the design within budget and time? Is it durable, transportable, and practical as a trophy? |
| Presentation Quality | 15 | How clear, attractive, and convincing is the submission (portfolio, A1 board, rationale)? |
| Originality & Creativity | 15 | How innovative and distinctive is the design compared to existing symbolic forms? |
| Total | 150 |
The best designs will receive the following:
- All finalists (10 projects, maximum two persons per project) will be invited to Brussels to attend the NEB Festival 2026, with travel and accommodation expenses covered. Finalist teams will also have the opportunity to see their ideas materialised and presented to a wider audience during the Festival
- The winning design will be produced in series and used as the official trophy of the New European Bauhaus Prizes 2026
- The winning design and its authors will gain visibility through the communication channels of the European Commission, including social media and press coverage related to the NEB Festival 2026
- The winning designer(s) will be invited to attend the NEB Prizes 2026 Award Ceremony